Adjustable eccentric



G. M. BOOTH ADJUSTABLE ECCENTRIC Oct. 8, 1963 Filed July 8. 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR. 650265 M 50am ATTOE/UE/V Oct. 8, 1963 a. M. BOOTH 3,106,105

ADJUSTABLE ECCENTRIC Filed July 8, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I N VENTOR. 650265 40m Oct. 8, 1963 G. M. BOOTH ADJUSTABLE ECCENTRIC 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 8. 1960 mM H S. m

Oct. 8, 1963 G. M. BOOTH 3,105,105

ADJUSTABLE ECCENTRIC Filed July 8. 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR. 650/865 M. 500 7/1 3,106,105 ADJUSTABLE ECCENTRIC George M. Booth, Westlicld, N..I., assignor to Wallace 8: Tiernan End, a corporation of Delaware Filed July 8, 1969, Ser. No. 41,525 7 Claims. (Cl. 74-571) This invention relates to an adjustable reciprocating stroke device. More particularly, this invention relates to an adjustable eccentric or an adjustable reciprocating stroke device capable of substantially infinite adjustment, such as from zero to a given maximum eccentricity. In accordance with one particular embodiment, this invention relates to a positive displacement plunger-type pump employing an adjustable eccentric or an adjustable reciprocating strdke device of this invention.

Adjustable eccentrics or adjustable reciprocating stroke devices are well known and have been employed for many purposes. Frequently, however, such devices are not structurally rugged but are mechanically complex and require constant maintenance and attention for satisfactory operation.

It is an object of this invention to provide a simple, rugged, substantially trouble-free adjustable eccentric or adjustable reciprocating stroke device.

It is another object of this invention to provide an adjustable eccentric allording substantially infinite adjustment between zero and a given maximum eccentricity.

It is another object of this invention to provide a positive displacement plunger-type pump employing an adjustable eccentric in accordance with this invention.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved positive displacement plunger-type piston pump capable of substantially infinite adjustment in output from zero to a given maximum.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a positive displacement, reciprocating, plunger-type pump, the output of which is capable of variation during operation from zero to a given maximum.

How these and other objects of this invention are achieved will become apparent in the light of the accompanying disclosure made with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a motor driven positive displacement plunger-type pump employing the adjustable eccentric or variable reciprocating stroke device of this invention in simplex or duplex pump arrangement;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the motor driven pump illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating an arrangement wherein an adjustable eccentric of this inven tion is employed in combination with and in triplex pump arrangement to operate three positive displacement plunger-type pumps;

FIG. 4 is a plan view in partial cross-section of the adjustable eccentric or adjustable reciprocating stroke device of this invention as disposed in simplex pump arrangement to operate a positive displacement plungerp p p;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of an arrangement of connecting rods when associated with the adjustable eccentric of this invention in triplex pump arrangement to operate three positive displacement plungerp p p FIG. 8 is a plan view of an eccentric bearing, an element of the adjustable eccentric of this invention;

United States Patent 0 3,106,1fi5 Patented Get. 8, 1963 ice FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows perspective views of elements of the adjustable eccentric of this invention and illustrating the principle and operation of this invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an assembly of elements, adjusting blade and worm gear, and eccentric bearing in dashed outline, further illustrative of this invention.

In accordance with this invention an adjustable eccentric or adjustable reciprocating stroke device is provided in an apparatus comprising a shaft mounted for rotation, a worm fixed to and carried on said shaft, a worm gear meshed with said worm and adapted to be rotated by said worm as said shaft is rotated, an eccentric bearing or plate in contact with and slidably positioned on said worm gear, a blade positioned axially within said worm gear keyed within an opening extending therethrough for axial movement therethrough, said blade extending through an opening provided in said plate for movement therethrough, a key integral with said blade and diagonally positioned on one side or face thereof, said "key being positioned within a keyway provided in the opening of said bearing or plate and adapted to slidably move said hearing or plate relative to said worm gear as said blade is moved through said worm gear and said hearing or plate, and means for moving said blade through said worm gear and said bearing or plate. As indicated hereinabove means are provided in accordance with this invention for converting rotary shaft movement to a reciprocating translational movement, the reciprocating translational movement being substantially infinitely variable from zero to a given maximum depending upon the position of the blade within the worm gear and the associated eccentric bearing or plate.

Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is illustrated therein a motor driven positive displacement reciprocating plunger-type pump employing the adjustable eccentric or adjustable reciprocating stroke device of this invention. As illustrated there is mounted on base it} electric motor 11 which serves to operate through shafts 12 and couplings 14 the adjustable eccentric of this invention, generally indicated at 15. The adjustable eccentric is associated with and employed to operate positive displacement plunger-type pump, generally indicated at 16. Pump 16 comprises cross head 18 which is reciprocatingly driven within cross head guide 25 by adjustable eccentric 15, valve stack 19 having intake 20 and output 21 together with associated valve stack clamping bolt 22 and packing take-up bolt 24.

As shown in dashed outline in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is an alternate position for pump 16 for operation by adjustable eccentric 15. If desired, however, two pump units 16 could be arranged and disposed in duplex pump arrangement associated with and operated by adjustable eccentric 15 in the manner indicated. In duplex pump arrangement electric motor 15 and adjustable eccentric 15 serve to operate two pumps phased 180 apart. If desired, as indicated in FIG. 3, a triplex pump arrangement wherein three pump units arranged and phased apart can be employed associated with and operated by electric motor 11 and adjustable eccentric 15. By employing the above-indicated duplex or triplex arrangement of pumps together with a single motor and a single adjustable eccentric, in addition to doubling or tripling pumped fluid output without materially increasing power requirements, a duplex or triplex pump arrangement smooths out pumping pulsations. Still further, if desired, a single motor may be employed to drive a series of simplex and/or duplex and/or triplex arrangement of pumps and associated adjustable eccentrics.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings which illustrate an embodiment of this invention wherein the adjustable eccentric is employed in simplex pump arrangement, the adjustable eccentric or adjustable reciprocating stroke device of this invention is positioned within housing 35 which is provided with a side cover plate 33 and fitted with upper housing cover 31 fastened to housing 3f by screws 32 passing through flange 31a of cover 31 into tapped holes 3% provided in the upper side of housing 30 as illustrated.

Shaft 12, driven by an electric motor, not shown, such as electric motor 11 of FIG. 1, extends through housing 30 and has fixed thereto and carries for rotation therewith worm 34. Worm 34 is positioned within housing 3% with respect to and meshed with worm gear 35 so that as shaft 12. rotates and carries with it worm 34-, worm gear 35 is rotated about its own center axis. Shaft 12 is fixed and mounted for rotation within ball bearings 36 which are supported by and mounted within bearing caps 8d fastened to housing 36 and worm gear 35 is journaled in ball bearing 38 fixed and supported by holding ring 37 fastened to the inside of and within the lower portion of housing 39. Worm gear 35 is provided with an opening extending therethrough providing keyways 40 within worm gear 35.

Eccentric bearing or plate 41, shown in greater detail in FIGS. 8 and 9, is slidably positioned on top of worm gear 35 and in contact with the upper surface thereof. As indicated in FIGS. 8 and 9 eccentirc bearing -41 is provided with an opening 42 extending therethrough, opening 42 being substantially rectangular in cross-section and carrying on one face or side thereof sloping keyway 44. Eccentric bearing 41 is also provided with two elongated slots 45 extending therethrough within which are positioned a pair of screws 426 which also pass through plate 48 and engage cooperating tapped holes in worm gear 35, screws 46 passing through slots 45 in eccentric bearing 41. Plate =48 is mounted in contact with and adjacent the upper surface of eccentric bearing 41 and is fastened and fixed to eccentric bearing 41 by means of screws 49 which engage tapped holes 50 provided within eccentric bearing 41. The diameter of plate 48 is such that it overlays annular groove or flange portion 41a of eccentric bearing 41. 7

Referring now in detail to FIG. 5 of the drawings, adjusting blade 51 is positioned within the keyways 40 and opening 4-2 of worm gear 35 and eccentric bearing 41, respectively, and an opening through plate 48. Adjusting blade 51 is substantially rectangular in cross-section and is provided on one side or surface thereof with sloping key 52. The sides or edges of adjusting blade 51 are fitted snugly Within keyways 4d of worm gear 35 and within opening 42 of eccentric bearing 41. Also, sloping key 52 of adjusting blade 51 fits snugly Within sloping keyway 44 of eccentric bearing 41. Accordingly, the arrangement of adjusting blade 51 within keyways 4d of worm gear 35 and opening 42 and keyway A of eccentric bearing 41 can be looked upon as the equivalent of a spline connection inasmuch as adjusting blade 51, although adapted and positioned to be rotated by worm gear 35 in a manner described hereinbelow, is at the same time axially adjustable through worm gear 35 and through eccentric bearing 41 and retaining plate 48 which is fixed to and moves with eccentric bearing 41.

The upper end of adjusting blade 51 is tapered to form threaded shaft portion 54 and is aifixed by cooperating nut 55 to be journaled within ball bearing 56 fastened to the lower end of adjusting member 53. Adjusting member 58 extends downwardly through a substantially cylindrical opening 3].]; provided within the central portion of housing cover 31 and is provided at its lower portion with keyway 59. Adjusting'member 58 is prevented from turning by pin 60 which extends through an opening provided within the upper portion of housing cover 31 into keyway 59.

Adjusting member '58 at the upper portion thereof is formed into threaded shaft 58a, the upper end of which is threadedly engaged in nut 61 which contains a hollow portion 61a to receive the upper threaded portion Elia of adjusting member 58 as nut 61 is turned to move adjusting member 58 upwardly thereinto. Nut 61 is restrained from axial movement by flange 6112 which lies between shoulder 31c at the upper end of housing cover 31 and projecting flange 62a of lower dial housing 52 which is fitted to and closed with upper dial housing cover 62b. Handle 64- is fixed by set screw 64a to the upper end of nut 61 so that upon turning handle 64, nut 61 is rotated thereby effecting axial movement of adjusting member 58 and axially positioning adjusting blade 51 as desired. Also associated with nut 61 are split clamping parts 65a and 65b. Clamping parts 65a and 65b are forced together by turning handle 66, the other end of handle 66 being threadedly engaged to screw 68 which, in cooperation with nut 69, serves to force clamping pieces 65a and =65]: against nut 61 to prevent its rotatation and thereby fix the position of adjusting member 58 and associated adjusting blade 51 once a setting has been made by turning handle 64.

As illustrated in the drawings, particularly FIG. 5, eccentric bearing 41 is provided with a peripheral, annular slot or groove 41a into which the downwardly flanged arcuate end 70a of connecting rod 70 is fitted and positioned. The arcuate end of connecting rod 70 is maintained within annular groove 41a of eccentric bearing 41 by overhanging plate 48. The other end 7% of connecting rod 70 is fastened to wr-ist pin 71 which engages cross head 72 which, in turn, is fastened to operating plunger 73. Thus, reciprocating motion is brought out of the adjustable eccentric or adjustable reciprocating stroke device of this invention and, as disclosed herein, various sizes and types of plungers 73 can be employed for reciprocation within cylinders of the various types of liquid ends of pumps, feeders or similar apparatus.

FIG. 7 shows a triplex arrangement of connecting rods '70, the connecting rods being phased 1'20 apart such that when the downwardly extending flange portions 70a thereof are positioned and fitted within annular slot 41a in bearing eccentric 41 the adjustable eccentric device of this invention is capable of actuating and driving three separate devices, such as plunger pumps, which may be fixed or otherwise connected to the ends 701) of the connecting rod.

Referring now to FIG. 10 of the drawings wherein perspective views of elements of the adjustable eccentric of this invention schematically illustrate the principle and operation of the adjustable eccentric described herein, the upper view shows the arrangement of worm gear 35, eccentric bearing 41 and adjusting blade 51 and its key 52 all positioned and arranged (blade 51, worm gear 35 and eccentric bearing 4 1 being coaxial) for zero eccentricity. As adjusting blade 531 is moved downwardly, such as to the position illustrated in the middle view of FIG. 10 the sloping key 52 forces eccentric bearing 4-1. to the right, a distance X, as indicated on the drawing, thereby providing a stroke length of 2X. As blade 51 is moved further downwardly within worm gear 35, such as to the position illustrated in the bottom view of FIG. 10, eccentric bearing 41 is moved to the right a maximum distance or eccentricity Y thereby providing a stroke length of ZY.

FIG. 11- of the drawings is further explanatory of the invention and shows the disposition of adjusting blade 51 within worm gear 65 and keyways 46).

In actual practice only oneor two-thousandths of an inch clearance is provided between the side edges of adjusting blade 5-1 and the keywiays, particularly the bottoms of keyways 40 in worm gear 35'. Adjusting blade 51 is restrained from radial motion within worm gear 35 and eccentric bearing 41 in any and every direction regardless of radial load. It is also pointed out that the width of 5. opening or slot 42 extending through eccentric bearing 41 is held very closely to the thickness of blade 51 with the result that eccentnic bearing 41 is rotated exactly in accordance with WOl'Ill gear 35 and supports the eccentric bearing 41 against radial loads at right angles to the length of the slot. Sloping key 52 on adjusting blade 51 is likewise a good fit in keyway 44 of eccentric bearing 4 1.

In the operation of the adjustable eccentric or adjustable reciprocating strolce device of this invention an infinite number of eccentricities from zero eccentricity to a given maximum eccentricity is available upon turning handle 64. In the operation of the device of this invention a desired eccentricity or reciprocating stroke length from zero to a given maximum is obtainable by turning handle 64 so as to move adjusting blade 51 downwardly or upwardly Within worm gear 35 and eccentric bearing 4-1. Handle 64 can be turned and blade 51 moved while shaft 12 is rotating and carrying with it worm 34 which, in turn, meshes with and drives worm gear 35 which, in turn, causes adjusting blade 5-1 and eccentric bearing 41 and plate 48 also to be driven or rotated. As handle 64 is turned adjusting blade 51 is moved downwardly or upwardly to the desired position for the desired degree of eccentricity. As adjusting blade 51 is moved downwardly or upwardly within worm gear 35 eccentric hearing 41 is caused to move across the upper face of worm gear 35 and to the movement of key 52 within keyway 44 of eccentric bearing 41.

It is pointed out that one of the advantages of the adjustable eccentric of this invention is that relatively high strength is provided with relatively light parts and therefore a minimum of distortion occurs. This advantage is derivable from the fact that the stresses in the several parts or elements of the adjustable eccentric are shear forces rather than bending forces. More particularly, a radial load at right angles to opening or slot 42 of eccentric bearing 41 is carried in shear in adjusting blade 51 at the plane defined by the junction of the upper surface of worm gear 35 with the lower surface of eccentric bearing 41. In all other directions the radial loads are carried partially by adjusting blade 5 1 in this plane and partially by shear force on key 52 and the edges of adjusting blade 5 1 in keyways 40 of the worm gear.

Although emphasis has been placed in this disclosure on the operation of the adjustable eccentric or adjustable reciprocating stroke device of this invention in combination with a positive displacement plunger-type pump, various other apparatus, besides pumps, which may require or call for a translational, reciprocating stroke in its operation may be employed in combination with the device of 7 this invention.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many modifications, substitutions and alterations are possible in the apparatus of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

I claim:

1. Apparatus comprising a member mounted for rotation and provided with an axial opening therethrough defining a keyway, means to rotate said member, an eccentric plate slidably positioned in contact with said member and provided with an opening therethrough defining a slanting keyway, means for securing said plate in slidable contact with said member, a blade, and a key diagonally positioned across a face of said blade, said blade being positioned in the keyway of said member and extending through the opening of said plate and said key being disposed within the slanting keyway defined by the opening through said plate, said member, said plate and said blade and key cooperating such that upon rotation of said member rotary motion is imparted to said plate directly by means of said blade and such that when said blade is moved through said openings, said plate is moved slidably with respect to said member and means to move said blade through said member and said plate.

2. Apparatus comprising a Worm gear adapted to be rotated, means to rotate said worm gear, a plate in contact with and slidably positioned on top of said worm gear, means for securing said plate in slidable contact with said Worm gear, a blade positioned axially within said worm gear keyed within an opening extending therethrough for axial movement within said Worm gear, said blade extending through an opening provided in said plate for axial and sidewise movement therethrough and a key integral with said blade and diagonally positioned on one side thereof, said key being disposed within a keyway provided on the opening [of said plate and adapted to slidably move said plate relative to said worm gear as said blade is moved through said worm gear and said plate and means for moving said blade through said Worm gear and said plate.

3. Apparatus reciprocating stroke device comprising a worm gear adapted to *be rotated, means to rotate said gear, a plate in contact with and slidably positioned on top of said Worm gear, means securing said plate in slidable contact with said gear, a blade positioned axially within said worm gear, keyed within an opening extending therethrough, adapted for movement therein and extending through an opening provided within said plate, a key integral with said blade and diagonally positioned on one side thereof, said key being positioned within a keyway provided on the opening within said plate and adapted to slidably move said plate relative to the top of said worm gear as said blade is moved through said worm gear and said plate and means for moving said blade through said worm gear and said plate.

4. Apparatus reciprocating stroke device comprising a circular worm gear adapted to be rotated, means to rotate said Worm gear, said worm gear being provided with an opening therethrough forming a keyway, an eccentric bearing plate in contact with and slidably positioned on top of said worm gear, means for securing said plate in slidable contact with said gear, said plate being provided with an opening therethrough forming a slanting keyway extending through said plate and said bearing plate being provided with an annular peripheral slot on the upper face thereof, a retaining plate in contact with and fixed to the top of said bearing plate, the periphery of said retaining plate overlapping the inner edge of the periphery of said slot, said retaining plate being provided with an opening therethrough cooperating with the opening through said bearing plate, a blade positioned axially within said worm gear extending therethrough and adapted for vertical movement within the keyway of said worm gear, said blade being positioned within and extending through the opening in said bearing plate and said retaining plate, a key integral with said blade and diagonally positioned across one face thereof, said key being positioned within the slanting keyway provided on the opening of said hearing plate and adapted to slidably move said bearing plate together with said retaining plate relative to the top of said worm gear as said blade is moved axially within said worm gear and said plates, and means for moving said blade through said worm gear and said bearing and retaining plates.

5. Apparatus comprising a first element mounted for rotation and provided with an opening therethrough defining a guideway, means to rotate said first element, an eccentric element rotatable with and slidably positioned with respect to and in contact with said first element and provided with an opening therethrough, means for securing said eccentric element in slidable contact with said first element, a blade element, one of the aforesaid blade element and eccentric element being provided with a keyway slanting with respect to the respective element providing the same and the other being provided with a key slanting with respect to said other element, said blade element extending through the opening in said first element and the opening in said eccentric element and said blade element being positioned and disposed with respect to each other such that said key is disposed within said keyway and such that when said blade element is moved through the aforesaid openings said eccentric element is moved slidably with respect to said first element and said first element, said eccentric element and said blade element cooperating such that upon rotation of said first element rotary motion is imparted to said eccentric element directly by means of said blade element and means for moving said blade element through said first element and said eccentric element.

6. Apparatus comprising a ring worm gear mounted for rotation and provided with an axial opening therethrough defining a guideway, means for rotating said worm gear, an eccentric plate rotatable with and slidably positioned with respect to and in contact with said worm gear and provided with an axial opening therethrough, means for securing said eccentric plate in slidable contact with said worm gear, a blade element, one of said eccentric plate and said blade element being provided with a slanting keyway and the other being provided with a slanting key adapted to fit within said keyway, said blade being positioned in the opening of said worm gear and extending through the opening of said plate and said slanting key being disposed within said slanting keyway, said opening being disposed and arranged such that axial movement of said blade element through the openings provided in said worm gear and said eccentric plate causes said eccentric plate to move slidably relative to said worm gear and means for moving said blade element through the openings provided in said worm gear and said eccentric plate.

7. Apparatus comprising a rotatable first member apertured in an axial direction thereof and having a face in a plane across its axis, means to rotate said first member, a second member apertured in an axial direction thereof and having a face in sliding abutment with the face of the first member, to be rotated eccentrically about said axis, means for securing said second member in slidable abutment to said first member, connecting slide structure movable through the apertures of the members and having side surfaces in parallel axially extending planes, said members having guide surfaces in their apertures extending to and aligned across their abutted faces and engaged in sliding abutment by the side surfaces of the slide structure, for keying the members with the slide structure, for rotation of the second member by the first member, said slide structure having two track means extending substantially lengthwise of the structure in planes which respectively form an acute angle with each other and are perpendicular to the first-mentioned planes, each of said first and second members having track means in the aperture thereof, and the track means of the members being disposed in guiding engagement respectively with one and the other of the two track means of the slide structure, for shifting said second member crosswise of the axis relative to the first member when the slide structure is moved axially, and for thereby adjusting the eccentricity of rotation of the second member and means for moving said slide structure axially with respect to said first and second members.

References @ited in the file of this patent UNITED ST TES PATENTS 304,854 Ralstin Sept. 9, 1884 671,476 Gladden Apr. 9, 1901 678,364 Heyrnann July 16, 1901 1,149,728 Ciarlo Aug. 10, 1915 1,189,588 Lander July 4, 1916 1,191,230 Rich July 18, 1916 2,036,625 Garratt Apr. 7, 1936 2,367,555 Arney Jan. 16, 1945 2,521,711 Galliano Sept. 12, 1950 2,795,968 Eriksson July 18, 1957 2,856,793 Budlong Oct. 21, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 10,714 Great Britain July 29, 1884 of 1884 1,005,801 Germany Apr. 4, 1957 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,106,105 October 8, 1963 George M. Booth It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below Column 6, lines 17 and 32, strike out "reciprocating stroke device" each occurrence.

Signed and sealed this 28th day of April 1964.

(SEAL) A nest:

EDWARD J. BRENNER Commissioner of Patents ERNEST W. SWIDER Attesting Officer 

1. APPARATUS COMPRISING A MEMBER MOUNTED FOR ROTATION AND PROVIDED WITH AN AXIAL OPENING THERETHROUGH DEFINING A KEYWAY, MEANS TO ROTATE SAID MEMBER, AN ECCENTRIC PLATE SLIDABLY POSITIONED IN CONTACT WITH SAID MEMBER AND PROVIDED WITH AN OPENING THERETHROUGH DEFINING A SLANTING KEYWAY, MEANS FOR SECURING SAID PLATE IN SLIDABLE CONTACT WITH SAID MEMBER, A BLADE, AND A KEY DIAGONALLY POSITIONED ACROSS THE FACE OF SAID BLADE, SAID BLADE BEING POSITIONED IN THE KEYWAY OF SAID MEMBER AND EXTENDING THROUGH THE OPENING OF SAID PLATE AND SAID KEY BEING DISPOSED WITHIN THE SLANTING KEYWAY DEFINED BY THE OPENING THROUGH SAID PLATE, SAID MEMBER, SAID PLATE AND SAID BLADE AND KEY COOPERATING SUCH THAT UPON ROTATION OF SAID MEMBER ROTARY MOTION IS IMPARTED TO SAID PLATE DIRECTLY BY MEANS OF SAID BLADE AND SUCH THAT WHEN SAID BLADE IS MOVED THROUGH SAID OPENING, SAID PLATE IS MOVED SLIDABLY WITH RESPECT TO SAID MEMBER AND MEANS TO MOVE SAID BLADE THROUGH SAID MEMBER AND SAID PLATE. 